Walter D. Fitzgerald Jr.
a retired teacher, coach and referee, died Thursday March 18 at Physicians Regional Medical Center, Naples, FL. He was 87 years old.
Born in Boston, he was a graduate of Boston College High School (1940), Boston College (1944) and Boston University, Masters in Education (1953). Mr. Fitzgerald served in the United States Navy during World War II and Korea. He attended Notre Dame in the Naval Academy program, graduating as a Lieutenant JG and was a member of the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Commander.
Mr. Fitzgerald was a retired physical education teacher for the Boston Public Schools. He also coached hockey, football and baseball at Boston Trade High School and Madison Park High School.
He was a resident of Dorchester for over 80 years, winter resident of Countryside in Naples for 23 years and very active in many groups and organizations. Walter was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Dorchester Lower Mills, Council 180; member of the Dorchester Veterans of Foreign Wars; member emeritus of the Norfolk Golf Club in Westwood, MA; member of the Massachusetts High School Hall of Fame; professional football referee in the AFL, NFL and for Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC); past president of the Gridiron Club; and member of the Pikes Peak Club.
Beloved husband of the late Ann (Martin) Fitzgerald. Loving father of Elaine M. Greene of Whitman, Joan A. Fitzgerald of Roslindale and Walter D. Fitzgerald III of West Roxbury. Brother of Thomas Fitzgerald of Quincy and Marie McSweeney of Norwood. Loving grandfather of Julie, Andrea, Carolyn, Daniel, Liam and Fiona. Great-grandfather of Victoria, Courtney and Keegan. Walter is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Gregory Church, Dorchester, Wednesday, March 24 at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Tuesday 4-8 PM. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02125.
Guestbook Entries
Our hearts are heavy with sadness at the loss of such a facinating and interesting character. We so loved our visits with “Uncle” at the Cape and in his home in West Roxbury because we knew he would always have a new adventure or story to recall with us.
We will take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his (and our) beloved “Annie” and his other four run-around pals, Jim and Rita Martin, and Bill and Anna Martin.
To Joan, Elaine, and Walt Jr., our sympathies and prayers are with you.
Love,
Tamie & Jimmy Martin
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of such a fascinating and interesting character. We so loved our visits with Uncle because he always had a new adventure or story to recall with us. We will take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his (and our) beloved Annie, and his other four run-around pals, Jim & Rita Martin and Bill & Anna Martin. Joan, Elaine, and Walt Jr., our sympathies and prayers are with you.
Love, Tamie & Jimmy
Condolences to the family. He led a long & good life. My father always spoke highly of him. I enjoyed the times when he would speak at our ANEFO meetings. Be proud of him as you mourn – a terrific person.
I was a graduate of Boston Trade School in 1968. Mr. Fitzgerald was a man who demanded and got….respect. Behind his back he was”Fitzy” but, it was always Mr. Fitzgerald or sir when he was within earshot. We enjoyed watching him referee the old AFL games on television. Though he didn’t talk about it much, he was sort of a local celebrity to us. Like most people of his generation, he just did his job well and went on with his life. My condolences to all in his family.
To Joan,Elaine and Walter,
There aren’t any words to say how I feel about your loss and everyone else who knew Uncle Walter Time. passes but thank heavens we have our memorys. One that comes to mind is one between your Mom,Dad and myself. It had to do with shrimp salad,and all I can say is we had a good time and I did what your
Dad told me
Love to all,
Muffin or Cousin or Ann. ..
Dear Walter & Family,
I am very saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. I will offer prayers for your father and your family during this time of reflection and mourning. If I can be of assistance please give me a call. Sincerely & with Sympathy, Ned Bean
Dear Walter and Family, Please allow me to extend to you my deepest and heartfelt sympthy on the passing of Walter sr. He was a
man of his time who commanded great respect and admiration. He
certainly did alot of different activities in his life and the legacy he
left is something to be proud of. His biggest legacy is the large
number of students who had him as teacher and a coach. May
he rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Walter & Family –
My deepest condolences on your loss. Although I never knew your father, Walter it was always a treat to hear the stories about your Dad. He was clearly a “larger than life” personality that set great examples for many young people. May all the memories keep him close with you forever.
Jim O’Mara
Charles River CC
god bless u fitz say hello to johnny gallagher for me…see you
Dear Joan, Elaine, and Walter: Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. He was one of the many men who stepped forward when our Dad left us so suddenly in 1966. He gave me my first leather football, an official AFL game ball. I stopped by St Joseph’s today to pay my respects and can report that my Dad has a new neighbor literally 50 yards away. I am sure the lights were on heaven a bit late last evening. “Thank You, Mr Fitz”: Sincerely, The Gallagher Family